Timber frame for innovation hub, Aberdeen

Hybrid structural frame with prefabricated timber kit

The building is designed with a hybrid structure comprising a structural steel frame on pad foundations at ground floor level, with an engineered timber kit forming the first-floor walls and roof. 

Manufactured with meticulous attention to detail, the frame comprises panelised timber kit, prefabricated flat roof cassettes and pitched roof cassettes. 

Expert co-ordination with the design team

RTE collaborated with the design team as part of a thorough co-ordination exercise to ensure all building services would not clash with the timber kit, particularly roof trusses.

The building included ceiling-mounted equipment such as extract fan units, supply and extract heat recovery units, local extract fans, local cooling units and fan coil units. 

By adopting a collaborative approach to resolve the complex interface of the building structure and building services, we reviewed the positioning in the digital model, working with the M&E engineers, architect and wider design team to ensure optimal positioning, making adjustments to the roof design as necessary. 

Off-site manufacture for higher quality and quicker installation

The panelised timber kit, roof trusses and roof cassettes were manufactured off-site at our factory, which sped up installation and improves quality control. We delivered the kit and cassettes to site in line with a precise programme, where it was erected by our own expert installation teams over a 6-week period.